Every year before the start of the academic session, a recurring complaint has resurfaced — the acute shortage of Plus One seats in Malabar. With the single window admission process set to begin soon, students and parents are once again gripped by anxiety. The authorities remain stuck, unable to find a permanent solution to the problem.

Over the past several years, all six districts of Malabar have witnessed a significant decline in the number of Plus One seats available. This crisis now stands as the first and biggest challenge before the newly sworn-in VD Satheesan government, which took office just days ago. Finding a resolution to this issue will be a crucial test.

When the opposition, the Muslim League, MSF, and Youth Congress were among the organisations that most vehemently criticised the previous LDF government over this very issue over the past 10 years. For the Muslim League, which now handles the education portfolio, this has become a double-edged sword. Since League-affiliated organisations were at the forefront of those protests, the department is now under tremendous pressure to deliver a solution within days of taking charge.

As in previous years, Malappuram district reports the most severe shortage. Currently, it faces a deficit of 26,137 seats, while Palakkad is short by 9,324 seats. The situation is similar in other districts as well — across the six Malabar districts, the total shortfall stands at 53,164 seats.

It is clear that the Plus One seat shortage in Malabar will be the first major educational challenge for the new government. Often, temporary arrangements are made to address the crisis. Yet, last year, many students who could not secure seats had to resort to alternative systems like open schooling and un-aided schools. The number of students in the region has been steadily rising, and with more students qualifying for higher education each year, temporary fixes are no longer sufficient.

The government is considering retaining the 352 temporary batches that were created in previous years as a stopgap measure. Of these, 314 batches are in the Malabar region. However, classrooms designed for 45 students are now forced to accommodate up to 60, compromising the quality of education.

In contrast, southern Kerala presents a completely different picture. Last year, districts like Kottayam and Pathanamthitta had nearly 7,000 vacant Plus One seats. In the merit category alone, 19,758 seats remained unfilled, with Kollam recording the highest vacancies at 2,339, followed by Pathanamthitta (2,275), Alappuzha (2,099), and Kottayam (1,928). In the management quota, a total of 4,323 seats were vacant, while un-aided schools reported 28,128 unfilled seats. Combined with the 19,758 vacancies in the merit category, more than 48,000 seats went vacant in the south.

This year, across Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, a total of 2,26,382 students have passed SSLC. With CBSE and ICSE Class 10 students also entering the fray, the number of applicants will rise further. Even considering vocational higher secondary, ITI, and polytechnic options, the total available seats are only 2,00,657. Even if only SSLC pass-outs apply, it is certain that over 25,000 students will be left without a seat.

The demand for new batches in the Malabar region is one that has persisted for years. The government had previously considered transferring vacant batches from southern districts to Malabar, but this has not provided a complete solution. Even students who secured A Plus in all subjects have been unable to get their preferred courses.

Education activists emphasise that only by collecting taluk-level data and sanctioning additional batches can a permanent solution to the seat shortage in Malabar be achieved. Parents are demanding that the government intervene urgently to resolve the crisis before the allotment process begins.

As the new UDF government and Education Minister N Shamsuddin take charge, how they navigate this crisis in the coming days will be closely watched. The Left, which faced much criticism on this issue in previous years, is now in opposition and is certain to use the opportunity to launch a strong offensive.